HMC and PHCC call for early breast cancer detection to save lives

As part of October’s Breast Cancer International Awareness Month, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), in collaboration with the Primary Health Care Cooperation (PHCC), is continuing to raise the level of breast cancer awareness in Qatar through a number of media engagements and outreach activities. These joint efforts are aimed at raising awareness of breast cancer and increasing public understanding of the importance of prevention and early detection of the disease.

According to the Qatar National Cancer Registry – Ministry of Public Health, breast cancer represented 38.78 percent of overall cancer diagnosis in women in Qatar during 2014.

Breast cancer ranks as the top cancer in Qatar (17.42 percent), followed by colon cancer at 10.55 percent. The highest incidence of breast cancer, at 16.2 percent, occurs in women aged between 45-49 years old.

Dr. Mufid El Mistiri, Sr. Consultant Oncology and Head of the Cancer Registry Section, National Cancer Care Center and Research at HMC and Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College – Qatar stated: “It’s important that we take advantage of Breast Cancer International Awareness Month to work hand in hand with our healthcare partners. Our ultimate goal is to enhance the health and well-being of our community, through fostering a healthy population. This goal cannot be achieved without empowering women and inspiring hope in those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.”

He continued: “Our joint efforts over the years have significantly improved the survival rates for breast cancer patients. A combination of screening, improved diagnosis, and treatment has made a big difference.  Although a lot of significant progress has been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished.”

Dr. Shaikha Abu Shaikha, Cancer Program Manager at PHCC added: “Raising awareness about the benefits of early screening is a key part of our work at PHCC in leading the nation’s Breast and Bowel Screening Program, and the first step in treating the disease. Cancer is a serious disease that can be prevented and by working with partners such as HMC during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are bringing the discussion to the top of the agenda for women across Qatar. Engagement activities with the wider community aim to not only increase awareness, but also the number of lives that we can save.”

Speaking about the collaboration, Dr. Al-Hareth M. Al-Khater, Sr. Consultant Physician, Deputy Medical Director, National Center for Cancer Care and Research and Chairman of the Corporate Healthcare Ethics Committee at HMC said: “The findings of a recent study carried out by HMC, PHCC, and the University of Calgary in Qatar show that only 7.6 percent of respondents have a basic knowledge of breast cancer screening. Therefore, we need to work in collaboration with our partners to send a cohesive and consistent message that helps raise people’s awareness and increases their knowledge of the life-saving benefits of breast cancer screening and other breast cancer related issues.’’

HMC is one of the key participants in an annual breast cancer conference led by the Qatar Cancer Society which will be held on 28 and 29 October, 2016. The two-day conference will bring together oncologists, surgeons, gynecologists, psychologists, researchers, health sciences students, and other healthcare professionals from across the world.  HMC has invited six international speakers to share information about up-to-date breast cancer research, practical programs and models of breast cancer care and screening services.

As the main healthcare provider in Qatar, HMC is committed to providing the safest, most effective and compassionate care. These breast cancer initiatives and joint efforts with healthcare partners are a testament to this commitment.

For more information about the ‘Early Detection Saves Lives’ campaign, follow HMC on Twitter @HMC_Qatar - hashtag #BCAhamad, and Instagram @HMC_Qatar. Alternatively, visit HMC’s Facebook page www.hamad/facebook.com.